[eddie nelson]

Im looking at possibly chartering a boat in October for a week to 10 days. It doesn't have to be Oxnard but we do want to be in that general area. I would like to sail around the Channel Islands and Catalina etc., but open to suggestions also. My wife and I are just wanting to sight see the area and experience sailing on the Pacific. We are looking for suggestions on a charter co to use and some suggestions on an itinerary. We have sailed Florida many times and the Vi many times. Just wanting to see the west coast area.

 

[emc_ret]

October is late in the season for the northern Channel Islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Rosa), but if you have a good weather window you should be ok. Catalina is pretty good year round. Fall is Santa Ana season in Southern California which means the possibility of strong NW winds so plan anchorages accordingly.

Marina Sailing Sailing Instruction | Marina Sailing - Instruction, Rentals & Yacht Charters Southern California
operates sailing school and charter operations out of various Southern California harbors. We have out own boat so we have never chartered with them. I am not associated with them in any way.

Southern California is very different from the BVI. Water is colder and distances are longer. The northern channel islands are all anchorages, there are no moorings and some of the anchorages are not easy due to rocks and kelp. Catalina is almost all moorings and they are unique moorings because they have both bow and stern ties.

 

[eddie nelson]

Thank you so much for the info. We found a company called Blue Pacific I believe out a Oxnard. Spoke with them today and was somewhat impressed. I do not know anything about them but felt comfortable with them. You may know something about them and your more then welcome to pm me if its anything I should be concerned about.

I hate catching moorings when you have a perfectly good anchor on board.lol I looked up flights from Louisiana and its $321 a ticket to Lax. What did you mean by late in the season and watch for a weather window? Looking at the map it looks like the Channels are not as protected as Catalina. What kind of weather and sea conditions would we be likely to deal with. Thanks in advance. Im embarrassed to say I know nothing about the west coast but would really like to see it.

 

[emc_ret]

Brian M Fagin has written extensively about Southern California sailing. Anything I write about local weather he has already written much better than I could. Amazon.com: The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, Including the Offshore Islands eBook: Brian Fagan: [email protected]@[email protected]@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%[email protected]@[email protected]@51%2BMDYTgHeL is his more general book on Southern California cruising. He also wrote a Channel Islands specific book.

You are right about Catalina being more protected that the northern islands and Catalina coves tend to offer more protection as well. Also on Catalina you will be on a mooring which offers additional security if the conditions change.

I am not familiar with Blue Pacific.

 

[eddie nelson]

Thank you so much for the information. Im going to order that cruising guide and some charts and call it good. On a side note: My wife and I were watching shark week on Discovery last night and they had a lady on there saying October is when their is the most number of Great Whites in California! I guess no swimming for us!lol Im starting to get excited about going. Hopefully tomorrow I will have a boat reserved and plane tickets. Thank you again for the help.
Eddie

 

[FarCry]

Sailed the VI many times? I thought you were a motor boater.:laugher

Enjoy your trip to that other ocean. Looking forward to hearing about it.

 

[eddie nelson]

LOL!!! I was wondering if you were going to find this thread. Im really looking forward to it! I haven't had a vacation in a year now so Im way over due! Im sorry I haven't been keeping in touch lately but you know its been crazy busy over here in Redneckville!lol

 

[brottousn]

Eddie hello iam a local here in ventura with a boat. contact me if you want I can show you around and go sailing

 

[eddie nelson]

Eddie hello iam a local here in ventura with a boat. contact me if you want I can show you around and go sailing

Thank you so much! That is very kind of you to offer. Unfortunately we have had a change in plans. As of right now with work and family and everything else going on we are unsure when and where we are going on vacation. If we ever make it that way and I would love to. I will deff look up.

 

[joerfleming]

Thank you so much for the info. We found a company called Blue Pacific I believe out a Oxnard. Spoke with them today and was somewhat impressed. I do not know anything about them but felt comfortable with them. You may know something about them and your more then welcome to pm me if its anything I should be concerned about.

I hate catching moorings when you have a perfectly good anchor on board.lol I looked up flights from Louisiana and its $321 a ticket to Lax. What did you mean by late in the season and watch for a weather window? Looking at the map it looks like the Channels are not as protected as Catalina. What kind of weather and sea conditions would we be likely to deal with. Thanks in advance. Im embarrassed to say I know nothing about the west coast but would really like to see it.

Did you end up using Blue Pacific? What was your experience?